Toronto City Council
The full agenda, as filed
All 80 items in the clerk’s order. Each carries the city’s own words: the staff recommendation, what the body decided, and its status. Nothing below is written by us.
Items 51 to 75 of 80Show 2550100all
MM31.24adopted
This Motion seeks authority to receive funds of $4,000,000 from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre and to allocate $2,000,000 of Section 37 funds to the 2021 - 2030 Capital Budget and Plan for Corporate Real Estate Management, towards the capital budget for use towards the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project. Since 2017, the City has been working in partnership with Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre on this project to recognize the experience of Indian residential school survivors, in fulfilment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action 82. Call to Action 82 calls for the commission and installation of a publicly accessible and highly visible monument in each provincial or territorial capital to recognize Indian residential school survivors. The project has been advanced by the Indigenous community in collaboration with a City team composed of staff from the Indigenous Affairs Office, Corporate Real Estate Management, and Economic Development and Culture. On July 23, 2018, City Council adopted item GM29.20 which directed the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the General Manager, Facilities Management, to submit costs related to the project for consideration as part of the 2019 budget process. On November 12, 2019, Gow Hastings Architects Inc. was awarded Purchase Order 6049804 by Corporate Real Estate Management as part of Professional Services contract for design and contract administration services. The project involves State of Good Repair work in the south west quadrant of Nathan Phillips Square and landscape enhancements referred to as the ' Spirit Garden'. The design of the Spirit Garden revolves around a monumental Turtle sculpture and includes a Teaching Lodge, Amphitheatre, a Three Sisters teaching garden a Voyageur Canoe and an Inuksuk. The overall estimated project budget of $17,000,000 (inclusive of design, construction, contingency, allowances and other costs), includes an estimated $13,300,000 for construction that is based upon a Class A cost estimate report prepared by the design team. Total funding of $11.0 million is available with $6.0 million previously approved and an additional $5.0 million approved in the 2021 - 2030 Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan for Corporate Real Estate Management for the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project (CCA257-01). The requested $2 million of Section 37 funds and the estimated $4.0 million from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre will contribute towards the non-state of good repair or enhancement work of the project. Through the amendment requested in Part 3 of this Motion, the overall project cost will increase from $11.0 million to $17.0 million with $8.5 million available for state of good repair work and $8.5 million on non-state of good repair or enhancement work.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the receipt of up to $4,000,000 in funds from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre for use towards the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project. 2. City Council delegate authority for the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to execute on behalf of the City an agreement with Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre to implement the receipt of funds in Part 1 above on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council increase the Approved 2021 - 2030 Capital Budget and Plan for Corporate Real Estate Management by $6,000,000 gross and $0 debt in project costs, with cash flow funding of $1,100,000 in 2021 and future year cash flow commitments of $3,000,000 in 2022 and $1,900,000 in 2023 for the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project (CCA257-01); the transfer of these monies to this project to be funded by the contribution of $4,000,000 from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre and Section 37 community benefits of $2,000,000 from the following developments: a. 299 Adelaide Street West and 21-31 Widmer Street, secured for the provision of public art in the amount of $301,954.18 (Source Account XR3026-3700681); b. 156-174 Front Street West and 43-51 Simcoe Street, secured for the provision of community services and facilities, in the amount of $181,045.82 (Source Account XR3026-3701065); c. 283 Adelaide Street West, secured for the provision of public art in the amount of $517,000.00 (Source Account XR3026- 3700925); and d. 20 Edward Street, secured for capital improvements which will benefit the community, in the amount of $1,000,000.00 (Source Account XR3026- 3701042).
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the receipt of up to $4,000,000 in funds from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre for use towards the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project. 2. City Council delegate authority for the General Manager of Economic Development and Culture to execute on behalf of the City an agreement with Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre to implement the receipt of funds in Part 1 above on such terms and conditions satisfactory to the City Manager and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor. 3. City Council increase the Approved 2021 - 2030 Capital Budget and Plan for Corporate Real Estate Management by $6,000,000 gross and $0 debt in project costs, with cash flow funding of $1,100,000 in 2021 and future year cash flow commitments of $3,000,000 in 2022 and $1,900,000 in 2023 for the Nathan Phillips Square Indian Residential School Survivors Restoration of Identity Project (CCA257-01); the transfer of these monies to this project to be funded by the contribution of $4,000,000 from Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre and Section 37 community benefits of $2,000,000 from the following developments: a. 299 Adelaide Street West & 21-31 Widmer Street, secured for the provision of public art in the amount of $301,954.18 (Source Account XR3026-3700681); b. 156-174 Front Street West and 43-51 Simcoe Street, secured for the provision of community services and facilities, in the amount of $181,045.82 (Source Account XR3026-3701065); c. 283 Adelaide Street West, secured for the provision of public art in the amount of $517,000.00 (Source Account XR3026- 3700925); and d. 20 Edward Street, secured for capital improvements which will benefit the community, in the amount of $1,000,000.00 (Source Account XR3026- 3701042).
MM31.25adopted
At its meeting held on March 10, 2021, City Council re-opened and amended item NY16.15 as set out in MM30.10 by deleting Part 1.c., adding a new Part 3, and correcting the municipal address. Parts 1.b. and 1.e. contained in MM30.10 require the owner to enter into a beautification agreement with the City that secures the beautification plan. The City has now accepted a Letter of Commitment from the owner undertaking to fulfill the requirements in the beautification plan instead of an agreement, therefore, conditions 1.b. and 1.e. should be deleted. City Planning staff have reviewed the requested changes and have no objections. REQUIRES RE-OPENING: Item MM30.10 (March 10, 2021 City Council) as it relates to deleting conditions adopted by City Council which are not required to fulfill the beautification plan.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item MM30.10 by: a. deleting the following Parts 1.b. and 1.e.: 1.b. the owner entering into a beautification agreement with the City that secures the beautification plan, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; 1e. that the site be maintained in accordance with the beautification plan agreed upon and secured by agreement, so that City Council's decision will now read as follows: 1. City Council approve the application to demolish the single-storey building at 911X Castlefield Avenue, with the following conditions: a. the owner agreeing to a beautification plan that is satisfactory to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, and includes provision for the site to be backfilled with clean fill and installation of base landscaping; b. that a construction fence be erected in advance of demolition and maintained until the site has been backfilled, in accordance with Chapter 363 of the Municipal Code, if deemed appropriate by the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building; and c. that all debris and rubble be removed immediately after the demolition. 2. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to work with Hydro One on the feasibility of removing the railway tracks in front of 901 Roselawn Avenue. 3. City Council approve the application to demolish the existing single-storey building at 911X Castlefield Avenue, and in doing so, hold Hydro One and/or Infrastructure Ontario accountable to honor their commitment to do the other walkway and landscaping improvements set out in the letter (December 22, 2020) from Hydro One to Councillor Mike Colle.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak, recommends that: 1. City Council amend its decision on Item MM30.10 by: a. deleting the following Parts 1.b. and 1.e.: 1.b. the owner entering into a beautification agreement with the City that secures the beautification plan, in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor; 1e. that the site be maintained in accordance with the beautification plan agreed upon and secured by agreement, so that City Council's decision will now read as follows: 1. City Council approve the application to demolish the single-storey building at 911X Castlefield Avenue, with the following conditions: a. the owner agreeing to a beautification plan that is satisfactory to the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, or designate, and includes provision for the site to be backfilled with clean fill and installation of base landscaping; b. that a construction fence be erected in advance of demolition and maintained until the site has been backfilled, in accordance with Chapter 363 of the Municipal Code, if deemed appropriate by the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building; and c. that all debris and rubble be removed immediately after the demolition. 2. City Council request the Chief Building Official and Executive Director, Toronto Building to work with Hydro One on the feasibility of removing the railway tracks in front of 901 Roselawn Avenue. 3. City Council approve the application to demolish the existing single-storey building at 911X Castlefield Avenue, and in doing so, hold Hydro One and/or Infrastructure Ontario accountable to honor their commitment to do the other walkway and landscaping improvements set out in the letter (December 22, 2020) from Hydro One to Councillor Mike Colle.
MM31.26adopted
This Motion is for the reallocation of $50,000.00 in Section 37 funds generated from the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive, currently allocated to the Topham Park Clubhouse Improvements project, in Parks, Forestry and Recreation's 2021-2030 Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan, for the purpose of streetscape enhancements under an existing road reconstruction project under the Engineering and Construction Services, and Transportation Services divisions. At its meeting on November 27, 2012, City Council adopted the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study, which included the portion of O'Connor Drive between Victoria Park in North York District and St. Clair Avenue East and Sandra Road in Toronto and East York District. The report recommended the adoption of an Official Plan Amendment and Urban Design Guidelines to guide public realm improvements and assess future development proposals within the Avenue. The vision for O'Connor Drive is to become a vibrant urban corridor that provides more opportunities for people to live, work, and shop. The urban design guidelines identify how new developments will fit harmoniously into the existing/planned context and general direction for creating pedestrian-friendly open spaces and streets. At its meeting on July 7, 2015, City Council adopted the Implementation Plan for Streetscape and Other Public Space Improvements for the O'Connor Drive Avenue Study. The purpose of the implementation plan is to provide further detail and coordinated design input for capital projects along O'Connor Drive in the 2016-2020 capital plan. The O'Connor Drive Streetscape Masterplan Project began in the Fall of 2017, studying the same boundaries as the Avenue Study, to provide a comprehensive look at the area and recommend various design solutions to improve the streetscape along O'Connor Drive. Public consultations on master plan elements were held on January 11, January 15, March 1 and April 5, 2018. Engineering and Construction Services are leading a major capital project in the area of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive. This presents an opportunity to deliver some of the design elements contemplated through the O'Connor Drive Streetscape Masterplan Project. The proposed Section 37 funds for the proposed enhancements have been secured by the City under an agreement for the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive. A total of $356,000 in Section 37 funds generated from 1401 O'Connor Drive are committed to the Topham Park Clubhouse Improvements sub-project (CPR116-51-04), in Parks, Forestry and Recreation's 2021-2030 Council Approved Capital Budget and Plan, with pre-approved cash flow commitments in 2022. This Motion requests authority to reduce the project cost and cash flow by $50,000 in order to proceed with the streetscape enhancements at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive through Transportation Services Approved 2021 Capital Budget. Streetscape enhancements were already approved by Council as a suitable use for the funds. The streetscape work and related enhancements are scheduled to be constructed in 2022.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council amend the Approved 2021 Parks, Forestry and Recreation 2021-2030 Capital Budget and Plan to reduce the project cost and 2022 cash flow for the Topham Park Clubhouse Improvements sub-project, in the Outdoor Recreation Centres project (CPR116-51-04), in the amount of $50,000, from $356,000 to $306,000, with funding from Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701021), to be redirected to streetscape improvements on the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive. 2. City Council increase the Approved 2021-2030 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services on a one-time basis by $50,000, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701021), for streetscape improvements on the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive in new sub-project account CTP421-02.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Brad Bradford, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council amend the Approved 2021 Parks, Forestry and Recreation 2021-2030 Capital Budget and Plan to reduce the project cost and 2022 cash flow for the Topham Park Clubhouse Improvements sub-project, in the Outdoor Recreation Centres project (CPR116-51-04), in the amount of $50,000, from $356,000 to $306,000, with funding from Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701021), to be redirected to streetscape improvements on the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive. 2. City Council increase the Approved 2021-2030 Capital Budget and Plan for Transportation Services on a one-time basis by $50,000, fully funded by Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 1401 O'Connor Drive (Source Account: XR3026-3701021), for streetscape improvements on the intersection of St. Clair Avenue East and O'Connor Drive in new sub-project account CTP421-02.
MM31.27amended
The Bus Barns site on the Canada Square lands have sat as a derelict eyesore for almost two decades, serving as a staging ground for construction of the Eglinton Crosstown. However, the site (bounded by Eglinton to the north, Yonge to the east, Berwick to the south, and Duplex to the west) will become one of the most important transit hubs in Toronto when the project is completed. Importantly to the local community, these lands represent a historic opportunity to improve the quality of life for Midtown residents. Designated as a Growth Centre by the Provincial government in 2006, the Yonge-Eglinton area has experienced rapid development and a corresponding increase in population over the past decade and a half. Unfortunately, the Province did not ensure that community services and infrastructure would keep up with the pace of growth. As a result, there is a recognized dearth of amenities in the neighbourhood such as parks, recreation space, child care, and more. The majority of the development that has occurred in the Yonge-Eglinton area has been on private land, due to provincial policy, limiting the City's ability to require complete projects that include green space and community services. Canada Square, however, is on leased public land and presents a greater opportunity for much needed neighbourhood amenities. This Motion requests that City Planning, prior to completing their evaluation of Oxford Development's rezoning application (submitted on December 21, 2020), as part of an inter-divisional team, prepare a Special Study Area Report. Importantly, this Motion also requests the establishment of a Working Group composed of Residents' Associations, Tenants' Associations, Business Improvement Areas, community organizations, and other stakeholders to inform the Report.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Chief Planner, Executive Director, City Planning to: a. establish a Working Group, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, composed of local Residents' Associations, Tenants' Associations, Business Improvement Areas, community organizations, the Councillors for Wards 8 and 15, and other stakeholders; b. establish an Inter-Divisional Team with Staff from City Planning, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Children's Services, Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, Engineering and Construction Services, Transportation Services, CreateTO, the Toronto Transit Commission, and others as appropriate; c. in consultation with the Working Group and with the support of the Inter-Divisional Team, comprehensively evaluate the redevelopment of the Canada Square site together with the impacts from future development occurring north of Eglinton along the Yonge Street Corridor in Ward 8 and Ward 12 in consideration of, but not limited to: community services; schools; affordable housing; built form; open space; shadow impacts; sky views; cultural space; economic development; public art; and, transit infrastructure; tall building design guidelines; and d. following Working Group meetings, provide a Special Study Area Report with Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the site, consistent with the intent of the applicable policy, to the June 24, 2021 meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council. 2. City Council request the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to amend the study area to include both sides of the Yonge Street Corridor north of Eglinton Avenue due to the extraordinary development occurring in the area and the unprecedented number of revised development application submissions with greater heights and densities that neglect the concept of Complete Communities.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Chief Planner, Executive Director, City Planning to: a. establish a Working Group, in consultation with the Ward Councillor, composed of local Residents' Associations, Tenants' Associations, Business Improvement Areass, community organizations, the Councillors for Wards 8 and 15, and other stakeholders; b. establish an Inter-Divisional Team with Staff from City Planning, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Children's Services, Social Development, Finance and Administration, Economic Development and Culture, Engineering and Construction Services, Transportation Services, CreateTO, the Toronto Transit Commission, and others as appropriate; c. in consultation with the Working Group and with the support of the Inter-Divisional Team, comprehensively evaluate the redevelopment of the site in consideration of, but not limited to: community services; schools; affordable housing; built form; open space; cultural space; economic development; public art; and, transit infrastructure; and d. following Working Group meetings, provide a Special Study Area Report with Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the site, consistent with the intent of the applicable policy, to the June 24, 2021 meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council.
MM31.28adopted
This Motion is for the allocation of $75,856.91 of Section 37 funds towards a public art monument commemorating the life of Joshua Glover. In early 2017, the Etobicoke Historical Society approached Economic Development and Culture staff with the wish to create a public memorial commemorating Joshua Glover. Joshua Glover escaped slavery in 1852, and made his way from St. Louis, Missouri to the then, small farming community of Etobicoke. His life story played a key role in the abolition of slavery in the United States. Originally, the proposed site for the monument was Montgomery's Inn where Glover worked for many years. However, there were difficulties with the site due to the fact that it is a flood plain and the Toronto Region and Conservation Authority required conditions which made the memorial cost prohibitive. Economic Development and Culture staff decided to commission the monument for a new City park being named for Joshua Glover at 4208 Dundas Street West. The park is situated in a part of Etobicoke where Glover settled shortly after arriving in Canada. However, the change of location and Ward boundaries created issues for the project budget. The Section 45 funds originally committed by the former area Councillor DiCiano are now in Ward 6, and the new park site is in Ward 2. The original Section 45 commitment of $51,000 was returned to Ward 6, leaving the project unfunded. Deputy Mayor Holyday has agreed to support this public art project in his Ward with available Section 37 funding. The City issued a call to artists for Expressions of Interest in February 2020 for the design and implementation of the Joshua Glover Heritage Memorial. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/9564-Joshua-Glover-Park_Terms-of-Reference_accessible.pdf The winner of the competition was Quentin VerCetty, a Black artist from Etobicoke, with his proposal "Stepping into History", an allegorical imaginative portrait bust representing Joshua Glover's struggles escaping slavery, sitting on a pedestal at the entrance to Joshua Glover Park. VerCetty has also noted that while historical plaques exist, this will be the only known monument in the City of Toronto's collection to commemorate a Black historical figure. The proposal which was selected for its excellence in terms of its conceptual and aesthetic considerations, cannot be realized for $50,000 which is what the original call went out for. The project is estimated to cost $115,000 and will be funded by a combination of this Section 37 contribution and debt. Original Budget Revised Budget TOTAL COST 50K Artist Fees - 20K Fabrication Costs (includes 3D printed mold, bronze casting, granite plinth fabrication, delivery to site and installation, engravings and plaques) - 70K Engineering Fees - 5K Landscaping Fees (plantings) - 5 K Contingency (15 percent of total project budget) - 15K Total = $50K Total = $115K Planning has agreed that with regards to the funds available from 4180, 4186, 4186A and 4190 Dundas Street West, the funds were secured for park improvements. Given that the public art being planned is in Joshua Glover Park, it may be used for the public art in the park with Parks, Forestry and Recreation's agreement. Parks, Forestry and Recreation has already been a significant and enthusiastic partner on the project providing the foundation pouring of concrete pad and revised park drawings to accommodate the monument. The artwork is scheduled to be installed in the summer of 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2021 Council Approved Capital Budget for Economic Development and Culture by $75,856.91 gross and $0 debt in project costs with cash flow funding of $75,856.91 in 2021 for the Public Art - Joshua Glover Memorial project (CAC116-10), fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Funds) for park improvements from the development at 4180, 4186, 4186A and 4190 Dundas Street West (Source Account XR3026-3700549), for the purpose of commissioning, fabricating and installing the Joshua Glover Monument at 4208 Dundas Street West by artist Quentin VerCetty.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Michael Thompson, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2021 Council Approved Capital Budget for Economic Development and Culture by $75,856.91 gross and $0 debt in project costs with cash flow funding of $75,856.91 in 2021 for the Public Art - Joshua Glover Memorial project (CAC116-10), fully funded by Section 37 (Planning Act Reserve Funds) for park improvements from the development at 4180,4186, 4186A and 4190 Dundas Street West (Source Account XR3026-3700549), for the purpose of commissioning, fabricating and installing the Joshua Glover monument at 4208 Dundas Street West by artist Quentin VerCetty.
MM31.29adopted
Anti-Asian racism is on the rise in Canada and Toronto; According to the Toronto Police Service, Anti-Asian hate crimes in Toronto were up 51 percent in 2020 over 2019 and are up 47 percent in 2021 over 2020. This follows similar patterns in other Canadian cities where in Vancouver Anti-Asian hate crimes reported increased from 12 in 2019 to 98 in 2020 or by 717 percent. The outbreak of the pandemic has been a major source in the rise in reporting of Anti-Asian hate crime. The recent tragic events in Atlanta further illustrate the rise. The values that define Canadians and Torontonians are openness and inclusiveness. All of us who are non-indigenous are immigrants or sons and daughters of immigrants. All have come to Canada to create a better life for themselves and for their families. Recently Mayor Tory joined by Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong, Councillor Lai and Councillor Wong-Tam held a roundtable of Asian community leaders and organizations where we heard first-hand the effects of racism and suggestions on how to best address it. The City of Toronto needs to be proactive to prevent such racist and hate crimes. Racism or hate of any form has no place in Canada and Toronto and we must commit ourselves to do everything possible to eradicate it.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council condemn the recent acts of Anti-Asian hate and restate its commitment to an inclusive and welcoming city for all Toronto residents. 2. City Council request Mayor Tory to continue the efforts of the Mayor's Roundtable, composed of Mayor Tory, Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong, Councillor Lai and Councillor Wong-Tam, initiated on March 25, 2021, and provide a progress report to City Council by the end of the second quarter of 2021. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to select a community agency to act as a Facilitator for the Roundtable and prepare the report requested in Part 2 above.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Cynthia Lai, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council condemn the recent acts of Anti-Asian hate and restate its commitment to an inclusive and welcoming city for all Toronto residents. 2. City Council request Mayor Tory to continue the efforts of the Mayor's Roundtable, composed of Mayor Tory, Deputy Mayor Minnan-Wong, Councillor Lai and Councillor Wong-Tam, initiated on March 25, 2021, and provide a progress report to City Council by the end of the second quarter of 2021. 3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to select a community agency to act as a Facilitator for the Roundtable and prepare the report requested in Recommendation 2 above.
MM31.30adopted
This Motion seeks City Council's authorization to amend Economic Development and Culture Division's previously approved 2021 Operating Budget to reflect the potential grant from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. The Film, Television and Digital Media Office of the Economic Development and Culture Division has applied for the Skills Development Grant as part of the Ministry of Labour's new two year $115 million Skills Development Fund, which aims to support workers and apprentices, specifically designed to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and to help reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for economic recovery. The City of Toronto's Film, Television and Digital Media Office fosters the growth of the screen sector through infrastructure expansion, workforce development and diversification initiatives. Economic Development and Culture was recently advised that it was eligible for a one-time grant of $800,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development's $115 million Skills Development Fund. If provided, the grant monies would be eligible for expenditures related to the xoTO Screen Industry Pathways training programming incurred between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. Toronto is one of North America's top five film and television production and post-production jurisdictions and is a widely recognized and fast-growing center of creative excellence. The screen sector represents over $2.0 billion in economic spend annually in Toronto, which represents over 1,500 projects and over 35,000 jobs for Torontonians. By 2025, the Toronto region's production infrastructure will grow by over 2.0 million square feet of additional production space (a 63 percent increase) to meet rising global production volumes. The sector will need to adequately prepare for the projected 12,000 Full Time Equivalents that will be required to meet the labour needs created by this infrastructure growth. Mass job creation and the inclusion of historically underrepresented populations are the exciting opportunities presented to the City of Toronto to support. The screen sector needs to increase the rate at which it trains film technicians in key categories all of which have been identified as key skills-gaps in the Toronto labor force through the City of Toronto-commissioned Toronto Screen Industry Workforce Study, published on March 29, 2021. Toronto's creative and business edge in attracting large productions depends on the ability of the jurisdiction to produce enough skilled workers to meet the needs of this growing sector. The Film, Television and Digital Media Office through its xoTO Screen Industry Pathways initiatives is working closely with local educational institutions, unions and guilds and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) community groups to adapt and expand their curricula to fittingly educate Torontonians about the screen sector's wide range of sustainable career pathways. Through these programs, a diverse range of Torontonians quickly become well-trained, market-ready workers set on sustainable career pathways. xoTO supported training programs strengthen systems paths by aligning outreach, soft-skills training and social support for individuals with industry-led hard skills training and work placements. Unions and guilds represent the majority of film workers in the Toronto area and are by and large the "employer" on all major productions. Recruitment and training of new workers as well as the up-skilling of current workers to adapt to the new technologies and methods of filmmaking must be put in overdrive to prepare for the prolific years ahead. The systems created must include and be designed with the very communities the industry is inviting in. The potential $800,000 grant will serve to scale up programs that bring industry and union-led training to diverse community groups and fast-track the career pathways of its participants. The Directors Guild of Canada-Ontario, unions IATSE Local 873 and NABET 700-M UNIFOR are official training and industry partners for the programs, as well as community partners such as CEE (Career Education Empowerment) Centre for Young Black Professionals, Miziwe Biik, Nia Centre for the Arts, The Remix Project, POV, OYA Media Group and ArtworksTO. This work is guided by the Toronto Film, Television and Digital Media Board, a City Advisory Body that guides the Film Office's sector development work. These programs and activities for which the potential grant monies will support, directly respond to the COVID-19 Impacts and Opportunities Report, Poverty Reduction Strategy 2019-2022 Action Plan and Confronting Anti-Black Racism Action Plan.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2021 Approved Operating Budget for Economic Development and Culture by $800,000 gross, zero net, fully funded by a grant from the Government of Ontario, conditional upon execution of an agreement between the City and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to enter into any related agreements with other entities, including industry and community organizations to implement the Film Office and Entertainment's youth workforce and skills development programs and activities, including the xoTO Screen Industry Pathways programming and to spend provincial funding in accordance with the provincial grant program requirements and guidelines.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Michael Thompson, seconded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2021 Approved Operating Budget for Economic Development and Culture by $800,000 gross, zero net, fully funded by a grant from the Government of Ontario, conditional upon execution of an agreement between the City and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. 2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to enter into any related agreements with other entities, including industry and community organizations to implement the Film Office and Entertainment's youth workforce and skills development programs and activities, including the xoTO Screen Industry Pathways programming and to spend provincial funding in accordance with the provincial grant program requirements and guidelines.
MM31.31amended
There has been talk recently of a number of instances in our City where No Exit signs give the impression that pedestrians need to find an alternate route, only to later find out that pedestrians can indeed get through. A crowd-sourced map has generated over 350 locations all across the City where No Exit signs exist but pedestrian access is still possible. Many of these locations are neighbourhood 'secrets' - known only to residents who walk there every day, but hidden to anyone who is not as intimately familiar to the area. Finding a simple solution will make our City more pedestrian friendly, accessible, and welcoming.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to implement changes to clarify No-Exit signage where pedestrian access is still permitted and to begin installation of the new signs in 2021.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Paula Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Brad Bradford, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Transportation Services to report to the July 5, 2021 meeting of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee on implementing changes to clarify No-Exit signage where pedestrian or cyclist access is still permitted and to include as a part of that report at least 10 potential locations for this signage.
MM31.32withdrawn
Providing supportive housing is essential to ending the homelessness crisis faced by our City. Yet the Province's budget, released on March 24, fails to commit the funding desperately needed in order to address the crisis we are facing. The City, with the support of the Federal Government, is on track to deliver 1,250 new supportive housing units, which will soon be ready to be occupied by those experiencing homelessness. Of those, 1,100 supportive housing units still require operating funding. The Province is responsible for the operating funding needed to operate these affordable apartments and to provide the on-site wrap around services required by residents. While the provincial budget acknowledges the importance of supportive housing, the money required to actually provide it is completely missing - both the $26.35 million annually beginning this year for 1,100 new supportive housing opportunities, and a commitment for funding in future years to deliver up to 2,000 new supportive housing units as part of the City's COVID-19 Housing and Homelessness Plan. Despite the continued strong advocacy from the Mayor and Councillors, time is running out. If the Province doesn't commit to the $26.35 million annually by May, we won't be able to open these 1,100 new units. They are desperately needed by Toronto's residents and the City has already secured them using the federal Rapid Housing Initiative and City capital funding. We cannot let them sit empty. Over the last year the Province acknowledged the urgent need to help those impacted by COVID-19. While the province has provided $90 million in temporary response funding for 2021, this is far below what is required to fund the City's current shelter response to the pandemic, let alone fund these supportive housing projects on an ongoing basis. What is really needed right now is action and money, not words. Funding supportive housing is the right thing to do and makes strong financial sense. Every month, approximately 8,000 individuals use our shelter system, including 3,600 people who cannot afford permanent housing, and whose use is chronic. The beds they occupy cost $6000 a month to fund, whereas only $2000 per month is needed for a supportive apartment. Ending chronic homelessness is possible through the provision of supportive housing, but only if all levels of government prioritize housing first, and possess the political will to make it happen.
Motion MM31.32 was withdrawn at City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Gord Perks, recommends that: 1. Council continue to advocate to the Province on Ontario to provide the funding necessary to operate the 1,100 supportive housing units planned to be delivered in 2021 by the City, with the support of the Federal Government. 2. City Council request the City Manager to provide the already-requested comprehensive report to the May 5, 2021 City Council meeting that includes the status of funding secured for supportive housing from the Province of Ontario and options to achieve the City's 2021 and future supportive housing targets.
MM31.33amended
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto's independent live performance venues, including independent theatre spaces as well as drag bars, have been long-suffering. Now through the uncertainty of the pandemic, it is impossible to financially plan for the future. With exorbitant commercial rents, and the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, and the pressures of development in the downtown core it is impossible for small performance venues to survive. These live performances venues include drag bars, community cultural hubs, and safe performance spaces for the LGBTQ2S+ community. Drag performers are a critical component of queer culture, and their performance venues often double as bars, cafes, restaurants, and even book stores. Independent "indie" theatre and other performance spaces are unconventional, ideal for experimenting, performing, and challenging the status quo of what might otherwise be considered "mainstream" livestream entertainment. Since the pandemic, we have seen more and more independent live performance venues shutter, most recently being the Lower Ossington Theatre. These "indie" venues are the home of young performers just starting out, but also provide opportunities where creative storytellers can elevate marginalized voices, telling stories otherwise left unsaid. These businesses are unique as they're often operated by arts workers, many who are already employed in the gig economy or doing other low-wage work. As we have all seen, the gig economy workers have been most precariously employed through each stage of the pandemic. These individuals are creative thinkers and cultural producers. They document and interpret contemporary thought, values, and social commentaries and give language and meaning to our collective cultural tapestry. Additionally, many have also fallen through the cracks not adequately covered by the Federal and Provincial COVID-emergency financial support, in the form of rent and wage subsidies. As the City of Toronto looks to recover from the global pandemic, we would be remiss to neglect these important cultural spaces. In order to protect our cultural identity and purposes, City Council must take urgent action to support cultural hubs and live performance venues for artists, performers storytellers and others alike.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture to review and explore the feasibility of expanding the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclasses to include independent live performance venues, such as drag bars and small independent theatre and consider the impact, eligibility, administrative efficiency and alternative measures and report back to City Council in the fourth quarter of 2021 on any proposed changes. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Toronto Arts Council, to convene a roundtable to consult with local stakeholders and community leaders on how the City of Toronto can further support independent live performance venues including drag bars, and report back in the first quarter of 2022, including but not limited to the following stakeholders: a. Aki Studio Theatre; b. The Assembly Theatre; c. Red Sand Castle Theatre; d. Crews and Tangos; e. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre; f. Woody's and Sailors; g. Glad Day Book Store; h. Space Space Revolution; and i. Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts. 3. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, with the benefit of community consultation, to explore expanded supports for creative businesses and cultural organizations, such as, but not limited to, independent bookstores, theatres, drag bars and other live performance venues, to ensure the preservation and expansion of independent, creative space in the City, with a report to the Economic and Community Development Committee by the first quarter of 2022. 4. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in collaboration with the Toronto Arts Council, to explore expanding granting opportunities and granting reform, to improve outcomes for access to grants for equity-seeking group artists and arts organizations, to increase cultural funding equitably, and to develop new approaches to non-grants assistance, such as professional development, financial literacy and referrals to relevant services, with a report to the Economic and Community Development Committee by the first quarter of 2022. 5. City Council request the Provincial or Federal Governments to urgently consider creating new or expanding existing financial programs to support artists, performers, live performance venues, including drag bars through grants and other COVID-emergency relief funding to preserve the arts.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy, recommends that: 1. City Council request the City Manager and the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, to explore the feasibility of expanding the Creative Co-Location Facilities Property Tax Subclass to include independent live performance venues, such as drag bars and small independent theatre and report back in the fourth quarter of 2021. 2. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture and the Toronto Arts Council to convene a roundtable to consult with local stakeholders and community leaders on how the City of Toronto can further support independent live performance venues including drag bars, and report back in the first quarter of 2022, including but not limited to: a. Aki Studio Theatre; b. The Assembly Theatre; c. Red Sand Castle Theatre; d. Crews and Tangos; e. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre; f. Woody's and Sailors; g. Glad Day Book Store; h. Space Space Revolution; and i. Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts. 3. City Council request the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in consultation with the Toronto Arts Council to explore expanding granting opportunities and granting reform to emerging artists, including the experience required to apply for operational funding and to report back to the Executive Committee in fourth quarter of 2021. 4. City Council direct the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, in collaboration with the Toronto Arts Council, and in consultation with independent live performance venue operators and artist stakeholders, to develop an appropriate pilot strategy for the purpose of providing support and referrals to relevant services, and informing and educating artists and cultural workers on opportunities for financial literacy and grants, and to report back to the first quarter of 2022. 5. City Council request the Provincial or Federal Governments to urgently consider creating new or expanding existing programs to support live performance venues, including drag bars through grants and other COVID-emergency relief funding to preserve the arts.
MM31.34adopted
The Bell Box Murals Project is a program of Community Matters Toronto. Since 2009, artists from the Bell Boxes Murals Project have painted murals on Bell Canada outdoor utility boxes throughout Toronto, Southern Ontario and Quebec. There are many benefits from the Bell Boxes Murals Project, which include: - Replaces graffiti and vandalism with original works of art by local artists. - Makes the streets more inviting to residents and visitors. - Enhances residents' sense of community. - Art is accessible to all people, regardless of income, language or social stature. - Creates a public art channel to reflect local culture and heritage. - Provides income and opportunities for local artists. Eight Bell utility boxes in the east area of Ward 8 will be identified by Councillor Mike Colle and approved for mural installations by Bell Field Services. The theme and design for the murals will be determined in consultation with local Residents Associations, Business Improvement Area's, and artists. Preference will be given to artists who live or work in Ward 8, however, all artists are welcome to submit an application. The Bell Canada utility box mural project is to be completed in Summer 2021 by the Bell Box Murals Project, represented by Michael Cavanaugh of Community Matters Toronto. The intent of this Motion is to transfer a total of $12,000 of Section 37 funds from the developments at 1580 Avenue Road and 2360-2376 Yonge Street to Community Matters Toronto to provide one-time capital funding for the purpose of painting murals on eight Bell utility boxes in the vicinity of those developments in Ward 8 - Eglinton-Lawrence.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the approved 2021 Operating Budget for Non-Program, by $12,000.00 gross, $0 net, for the purpose of providing one time capital funding to Community Matters Toronto to complete eight murals on Bell Boxes in Ward 8 - Eglinton-Lawrence (Cost Centre: NP2161), fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the following developments as follows: a. $6,000.00 from the development at 1580 Avenue Road, for 4 Bell Box murals in the vicinity of the development (Source Account: XR3026-3701016); and b. $6,000.00 from the development at 2360-2376 Yonge Street and 31-37 Helendale Avenue, for 4 Bell Box murals in the vicinity of the development (Source Account: XR3026-3700988). 2. City Council direct that the funds be forwarded to Community Matters Toronto upon the signing of an Undertaking by Community Matters Toronto that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Colle, seconded by Councillor James Pasternak recommends that: 1. City Council increase the approved 2021 Operating Budget for Non-Program, by $12,000.00 gross, $0 net, for the purpose of providing one time capital funding to Community Matters Toronto to complete eight murals on Bell Boxes in Ward 8 - Eglinton-Lawrence (Cost Centre: NP2161), fully funded by Section 37 funds obtained from the following developments as follows: a. $6,000.00 from the development at 1580 Avenue Road, for 4 Bell Box murals in the vicinity of the development (Source Account: XR3026-3701016); and b. $6,000.00 from the development at 2360-2376 Yonge Street and 31-37 Helendale Avenue, for 4 Bell Box murals in the vicinity of the development (Source Account XR3026-3700988). 2. City Council direct that the funds be forwarded to Community Matters Toronto upon the signing of an Undertaking by Community Matters Toronto that governs the use of the funds and the financial reporting requirements.
MM31.35adopted
The historic First Parliament site holds the foundational elements of democracy and nation-building in what was once known as Upper Canada and the beginning of a united Canada. It is located at the intersection of Front Street East and Parliament Street, bounded on the west by Berkeley Street and on the south by Parliament Square Park, spanning a full city block. The northwestern portion of the block is owned by the Province through the Ontario Heritage Trust. The remainder, municipally known as 271 Front Street East and 25 Berkeley Street, is entirely owned by the City of Toronto following a land-swap that the late Councillor McConnell and City staff negotiated in 2012 to allow for complete public-ownership of the block. The First Parliament Site is currently undergoing a Master Plan revitalization strategy to create a vision, guiding planning principles and a plan to develop the site over the next 10 to 20 years. Since 2017. the City has led numerous community engagement activities ranging from public meetings and workshops to a public lecture, an on-line survey and a walking tour. There have been many community-originated recommendations for the site, including a new public library, interpretive centre, affordable housing, parkland, additional open space, and much more. The Master Planning process follows an extensive Heritage Interpretation Strategy that seeks to stitch together hundreds of years of history, from Indigenous stories, Upper Canada's first purpose-built parliament buildings, the Home District Gaol and its final use as part of the Consumers' Gas Company complex. 265-271 Front Street and 25 Berkeley Street are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act based on the historical value or interest of the First Parliament Site, and the First Parliament archaeological site is registered with the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. Ahead of a planned Master Plan meeting, Metrolinx sent letters notifying the City of its intent to seek full expropriation and ownership of all of the City-owned First Parliament lands, for the construction of a future Ontario Line station. Further communication from Metrolinx with the local Councillor's office and City staff expressed sentiments that Metrolinx was premature in sending pre-notice of intention to expropriate. Metrolinx maintains that it still wants to negotiate an "amicable agreement" with the City and continue to seek the sale and ownership transfer of the City-owned First Parliament lands to the Province. The earliest communications between City staff, the local Councillor and Metrolinx have raised unanswered questions, including why the Province, through its agency, requires full ownership and all future control of the entire First Parliament site by August 2021. The First Parliament site is of both national and local significance. Discussions regarding ownership and land access are currently occurring without any public knowledge or instructions from City Council. It is the best interest of the City and the Province to be as transparent as possible over what is occurring. City Council should therefore support obtaining a report from City staff outlining what recent communications the Province and/or Metrolinx has provided in regards to real estate negotiations for the First Parliament Site, and to ensure all proposals being tabled by the Province and Metrolinx are available to the general public and City Council.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office along with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to report as soon as possible or to the June 8, 2021 meeting of City Council on any communication with Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario about ongoing real estate negotiations for the City-owned First Parliament lands located at 271 Front Street East and 25 Berkeley Street.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, seconded by Councillor Joe Cressy recommends that: 1. City Council direct the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office along with the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning and the Chief Executive Officer, CreateTO to report as soon as possible or to the June 8, 2021 meeting of City Council on any communication with Metrolinx and the Province of Ontario about ongoing real estate negotiations for the City-owned First Parliament lands located at 271 Front Street East and 25 Berkeley Street.
MM31.36adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 1432 Queen Street West to operate under Pizza Pizza Restaurant Number 11. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest. This establishment is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents in the area. This application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless the concerns of the residents are addressed. The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario should be requested to issue a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections was March 19, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Pizza Pizza, 1432 Queen Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Pizza Pizza, 1432 Queen Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
MM31.37adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 2449 Bloor Street West to operate under Pizza Pizza Restaurant Number 101. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest. This establishment is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents in the area. This application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless the concerns of the residents are addressed. The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario should be requested to issue a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections was March 25, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Pizza Pizza Restaurant Number 101, 2449 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for Pizza Pizza Restaurant Number 101, 2449 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
MM31.38adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 1730 Bloor Street West to operate under 7-Eleven. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest. This establishment is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents in the area. This application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless the concerns of the residents are addressed. The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario should be requested to issue a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections was March 11, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for 7-Eleven, 1730 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for 7-Eleven, 1730 Bloor Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
MM31.39adopted
An application has been submitted to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario for a liquor licence at the premises at 3355 Dundas Street West to operate under 7-Eleven. The application is for an indoor area only. This Motion requests that City Council advise the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that this application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest. This establishment is located in close proximity to residential units. There are concerns that an establishment with a liquor licence can cause noise and disturbance to residents in the area. This application for a liquor licence is not in the public interest unless the concerns of the residents are addressed. The Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario should be requested to issue a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. This matter is considered urgent as the deadline for objections was March 11, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for 7-Eleven, 3355 Dundas Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Gord Perks, seconded by Councillor Mike Layton, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Clerk to advise the Registrar of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario that the issuance of a liquor licence for 7-Eleven, 3355 Dundas Street West is not in the public interest having regard to the needs and wishes of the residents and that the Registrar should issue either a Proposal to Review or a Proposal to Refuse the liquor licence application. 2. City Council request the Licence Appeal Tribunal to provide the City of Toronto with an opportunity to be made party to any proceedings with respect to the Premises. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attend all proceedings before the Licence Appeal Tribunal in this matter and City Council direct the City Solicitor to take all necessary action so as to give effect to this Motion, including determining whether the application ought to be refused outright or whether the application can be supported with conditions to the liquor licence, all in consultation with the Ward Councillor.
MM31.40adopted
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted both small business owners and residents of low-income communities. In order for the City of Toronto to "Build Back Better," we must support small businesses, in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and reinforce the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Under the COVID-19: Impact and Opportunities Report, recommendation 78 states the need for the reduction of regulatory burden for businesses. The objective of this Motion is to further identify areas in Toronto of which would benefit from the definition and creation of a Neighbourhood Enterprise Zone policy - which could be shaped by changes to commercial tax, zoning and planning policies - to attract new business and retain existing business to a specific neighbourhood. This builds on Action items 27 and 30 under the City of Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy. Neighbourhood Enterprise Zones could attract new investments, shops, social services, and other investments to revitalize the area with job opportunities and new place for residents to shop.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to City Council by the third quarter of 2021 on the feasibility of designing Neighbourhood Enterprise Zones as an effective economic stimulus strategy in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and other locations.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor James Pasternak, seconded by Councillor Anthony Perruzza, recommends that: 1. City Council request the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in consultation with the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning to report back to City Council by the third quarter of 2021 on the feasibility of designing Neighbourhood Enterprise Zones as an effective economic stimulus strategy in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas and other locations.
MM31.41adopted
The area surrounding John McKenzie Parkette has a parkland provision level within the second lowest category of 4-12 square metres/person, below the City average of 28 square metres/person. The area is also designated as an area of parkland need within the Parkland Strategy. This takes into account not only low parkland provision in the area, but also the high growth and the higher percentage of low-income households in the area. 37 Norton Avenue has been identified as an opportunity to increase parkland in the area through expansion of the existing park. The additional 876 square metres would provide additional parkland to an area of need, and regularize the shape of the park to increase programming potential. To facilitate the expansion of the John McKenzie Parkette, City Council authority is urgently required to commence expropriation proceedings to acquire the adjacent property municipally known as 37 Norton Avenue, North York, Ontario (the "Property"). Corporate Real Estate Management staff have been in negotiations with the owner of the Property since July 2020, however a negotiated agreement has not yet been reached. To preserve the timelines of expanding the John McKenzie Parkette, it is appropriate to request authorization to commence expropriation proceedings at this time.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to initiate the expropriation process for the property municipally known as 37 Norton Avenue, depicted in Appendix A to the report (March 30, 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, to expand the John McKenzie Parkette. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to serve and publish Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate the Property, to forward any requests for a hearing of necessity to the Chief Inquiry Officer, to attend the hearing to present the City of Toronto's position, and to report the Inquiry Officer's recommendations to City Council for its consideration. 3. City Council amend the Approved 2021 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget and 2022-2030 Capital Plan to create a new capital sub-project called "37 Norton Avenue Expropriation" in the Parkland Acquisition project to be fully funded by Section 37 community benefits (XR3026) and Section 42 Above 5 percent Cash-in-lieu (XR2213) as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 30 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, including all fees and disbursements, for the purposes of acquiring the property at 37 Norton Avenue to facilitate the expansion of the John McKenzie Parkette. 4. City Council authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 30, 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, once there has been a final determination of all claims and compensation payable for 37 Norton Avenue by arbitration, appeal or settlement, or otherwise to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor. Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 30, 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management remains confidential in its entirety at this time in accordance with the provisions of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, as it pertains to a proposed or pending acquisition or sale of land for municipal or local board purposes. Confidential Attachment 1 to the report (March 30, 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management will be made public once there has been a final determination of all claims and compensation payable for 37 Norton Avenue by arbitration, appeal or settlement, or otherwise to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor John Filion, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council adopt the following recommendations in the report (March 30, 2021) from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management: 1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management to initiate the expropriation process for the property municipally known as 37 Norton Avenue, depicted in Appendix A, to expand the John McKenzie Parkette. 2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, or their designate, to serve and publish Notices of Application for Approval to Expropriate the Property, to forward any requests for a hearing of necessity to the Chief Inquiry Officer, to attend the hearing to present the City of Toronto's position, and to report the Inquiry Officer's recommendations to City Council for its consideration. 3. City Council amend the Approved 2021 Parks, Forestry and Recreation Capital Budget and 2022-2030 Capital Plan to create a new capital sub-project called "37 Norton Avenue Expropriation" in the Parkland Acquisition project to be fully funded by Section 37 community benefits (XR3026) and Section 42 Above 5 percent Cash-in-lieu (XR2213) as outlined in Confidential Attachment 1 to the report from the Executive Director, Corporate Real Estate Management, including all fees and disbursements, for the purposes of acquiring the property at 37 Norton Avenue to facilitate the expansion of the John McKenzie Parkette. 4. City Council authorize the public release of Confidential Attachment 1 once there has been a final determination of all claims and compensation payable for 37 Norton Avenue by arbitration, appeal or settlement, or otherwise to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
MM31.42adopted
Rapid Housing Initiative Budget Update - by Councillor Ana Bailão, seconded by Mayor John Tory
The Rapid Housing Initiative was announced by the Government of Canada on September 21, 2020. The Rapid Housing Initiative will deliver $1 billion in grant funding nationally to rapidly create new affordable rental housing in response to the urgent housing needs of vulnerable and marginalized individuals. The grant funding for the Rapid Housing Initiative will be delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and will cover the construction of modular housing, the acquisition of land, and the conversion of existing buildings to affordable housing. However, the Rapid Housing Initiative funding may only be allocated towards residential components of acquisitions. City staff have identified multi-use properties as acquisition opportunities for the Rapid Housing Initiative Program. To continue to meet the Rapid Housing Initiative program objectives, including ensuring that housing is available by the end of 2021, City staff are urgently recommending that the Housing Secretariat Rapid Housing Initiative Budget be increased and funded from the Land Acquisition Reserve Fund. This increase will fund the commercial component of strategic acquisitions of sites identified under the Rapid Housing Initiative program, which is not covered by Canada Mortgage and Housing grant funding.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council increase the 2021-2030 Council Approved Housing Secretariat Capital Budget and Plan for the Rapid Housing Initiative capital project by $6,324,500 gross and $0 debt in 2021, funded from the Land Acquisition Reserve Fund (XR1012) to support the commercial component of strategic acquisitions of sites identified under the Rapid Housing Initiative program.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Ana Bailao, seconded by Mayor John Tory, recommends that: 1. City Council increase the 2021-2030 Council Approved Housing Secretariat Capital Budget and Plan for the Rapid Housing Initiative capital project by $6,324,500 gross and $0 debt in 2021, funded from the Land Acquisition Reserve Fund (XR1012) to support the commercial component of strategic acquisitions of sites identified under the Rapid Housing Initiative program.
MM31.43adopted
This Motion will give the City Solicitor authority, along with appropriate City Staff, to appeal the Committee of Adjustment's decision approving the minor variance application at 3 Hartfield Road (Application A0338/20EYK) (the "Application") and attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to oppose the Application. The Application seeks to construct a new detached dwelling with an attached garage. The Application requires a total of nine (9) variances to Zoning By-law 569-2013 and By-law 1992-24. The variances sought relate to lot coverage, dwelling length, front yard setback, building height, height of main pedestrian entrance, number and area of platforms at the second and third floor. Planning staff, in its original report to the Committee of Adjustment, raised concerns with respect to the Application. Subsequently, Planning staff wrote a revised report recommending that the Committee of Adjustment defer hearing the Application in order for the applicant to provide revised drawings for City staff to review. Planning staff opines that the Application represents over-development of the site, is not keeping with the existing physical character of the neighbourhood, amongst other issues. The Committee of Adjustment approved the Application. This Motion will direct the City Solicitor to appeal the Decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to oppose the Application. The final day to appeal the Decision is April 12, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to appeal the Committee of Adjustment's Decision regarding 3 Hartfield Road (Application A0338/20EYK) and to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body, with appropriate City staff, in order to oppose the minor variance Application A0338/20EYK regarding 3 Hartfield Road, and any other variances that may be requested. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as may be necessary in order to oppose the Application. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the Application and Appeal, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City, in the City Solicitor's discretion, after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Etobicoke District.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Stephen Holyday, seconded by Councillor Michael Ford, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor to appeal the Committee of Adjustment's Decision regarding 3 Hartfield Road (Application A0338/20EYK) and to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body, with appropriate City staff, in order to oppose the minor variance Application A0338/20EYK regarding 3 Hartfield Road, and any other variances that may be requested. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as may be necessary in order to oppose the Application. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution regarding the Application and Appeal, and City Council authorize the City Solicitor to resolve the matter on behalf of the City, in the City Solicitor's discretion, after consulting with the Ward Councillor and with the Director of Community Planning, Etobicoke District.
MM31.44adopted
On February 11, 2021, the Toronto and East York District Panel of the Committee of Adjustment refused applications related to the property municipally known as 338 Horsham Avenue for consent to sever the lot, and two associated applications for minor variances (the "Applications"). The applicant has appealed the refusal decision to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. The applicant proposes to obtain consent to sever the property into two undersized residential lots, construct a new dwelling on each lot. The application requires variances to City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 including variances for: [1] minimum required lot frontage, [2] minimum required lot area, [3] minimum required side yard setbacks, [4] minimum front porch setback from side lot line, [5] minimum rear deck setback from side lot line, [6] maximum permitted lot coverage, [7] maximum permitted building height; [8] and maximum permitted first floor elevation above established grade. Community Planning staff reviewed the Applications and recommended they be refused. Copies of the Notice of Decision of the Committee of Adjustment and the Community Planning Staff Report are attached. This Motion will authorize the City Solicitor to oppose the applicant's Toronto Local Appeal Body appeal and to secure the necessary authorization and resources to support the City's opposition to the appeal, including providing for the ability for the City Solicitor to settle the matter. This Motion is urgent because the deadline to file a Notice of Intention to be a party in this Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing is April 19, 2021, and the deadline to file document disclosure is May 17, 2021.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing in respect of 338 Horsham Avenue to uphold the Committee of Adjustment's refusal of the applicant's proposed development (Applications 20 200896 NNY 18 CO, 20 200910 NNY 18 MV and 20 200911 NNY 18 MV). 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor John Filion, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, recommends that: 1. City Council direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing in respect of 338 Horsham Avenue to uphold the Committee of Adjustment's refusal of the applicant's proposed development (Applications 20 200896 NNY 18 CO, 20 200910 NNY 18 MV and 20 200911 NNY 18 MV). 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
MM31.45adopted
The applicant applied to the Committee of Adjustment (Applications A0510/20NY, A0511/20NY and B0034/20NY) (the "Application") for a consent to sever and for minor variances. The applicant proposes to sever the existing lot, which would result in two equal, undersized residential lots requiring variances to lot frontage and lot area. The Application also requests variances with respect to side yard setbacks, lot coverage, side exterior main wall height, number of storeys, and building height. City Planning wrote a report recommending refusal of the Application, which is set out in Attachment 1. At its hearing on February 11, 2021, the Committee of Adjustment refused the Application. The Decisions are attached as Attachments 2, 3 and 4. The applicant has appealed the Decisions to the Toronto Local Appeal Body. This Motion will authorize the City Solicitor, and appropriate City Staff, to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body in order to oppose the proposed consent and minor variances requested in the Application. This Motion will also give the City Solicitor authority to negotiate a settlement of the appeal and retain outside consultants as necessary.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing for 83 Florence Avenue to oppose the requested consent and minor variances set out in Applications A0510/20NY, A0511/20NY and B0034/20NY. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor John Filion, seconded by Councillor Mike Cole, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize and direct the City Solicitor, and any other appropriate City staff to attend the Toronto Local Appeal Body hearing for 83 Florence Avenue to oppose the requested consent and minor variances set out in Application A0510/20NY, A0511/20NY and B0034/20NY. 2. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to retain outside consultants as necessary. 3. City Council authorize the City Solicitor to attempt to negotiate a resolution of the appeal and, if a resolution is reached, to settle the appeal at the City Solicitor's discretion, and in consultation with the Ward Councillor and the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning.
MM31.46adopted
With the City of Toronto continually needing to respond to the impacts of the pandemic on services, our parks, trails and other public spaces continue to see record numbers of people using them for recreation, fresh air and exercise year-round. The City undertook a successful expansion of washroom facility operation over the winter with substantial appreciation and support from residents across the City. With many businesses closed, or not opening their washroom facilities to the public, the availability of public washrooms for residents of Toronto has never been more important to support our residents to get and stay outside. Additionally, they function as an important support to those experiencing homelessness, and essential gig workers, like couriers, taxis, and delivery services who often are not offered space to use the washroom at the location they are collecting their fare from. Their demand will be even greater as businesses physical locations will close under the new orders from the province. Demand for washrooms from park users will only increase as weather improves over the coming days, and this will mean many more people looking for places to take care of their business. For sanitary reasons, we must ensure the robust availability of public toilets. The City should look to take immediate steps to open all washrooms as weather has improved to the point we can safely operate them, and do so as quickly as possible.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back to the next meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on April 28, 2021 with a plan to open all parks washrooms earlier than the Victoria Day long weekend, and as quickly as possible.
Staff recommendation as filed
Councillor Mike Layton, seconded by Councillor Gord Perks, recommends that: 1. City Council request the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation to report back to the next meeting of Infrastructure and Environment Committee on April 28, 2021 with a plan to open all parks washrooms earlier than the Victoria Day long weekend, and as quickly as possible.
MM31.47adopted
Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, has invited the City of Toronto to nominate up to three individuals to its Rouge National Urban Park Multi-Stakeholder and Public Advisory Committee. Under the Terms of Reference for this Advisory Committee, the City can nominate up to three elected officials or City staff (for example, technical or subject matter experts), or a combination of both. Members will serve a term of up to four years. The Terms of Reference are attached. The Advisory Committee will also include representatives from Parks Canada's Rouge National Urban Park First Nations Advisory Circle (up to 10 members), York Region (up to 3 members), Durham Region (up to 3 members), the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (1 member), the Province of Ontario (1 member) and members of the public (6 members). One of the public members will be named Chair by the Minister. The Mayor's Office has consulted with the City Manager's Office, the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, the Toronto Zoo and divisional staff, and recommends the following three individuals be the City of Toronto's representatives to this Committee, based on their position and expertise: Nominee Role Rationale 1. Jennifer McKelvie The Member of Council for Scarborough-Rouge Park Liaison with Council, local community and other municipal elected officials on the Committee 2. Dolf DeJong The Chief Administrative Officer of the Toronto Zoo Supports complementary conservation and visitor programming, research and development between Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park 3. Kim Statham Toronto Technical Lead (Acting Director, Urban Forestry - Parks Forestry and Recreation) Provides technical and operational expertise and liaison to City divisions and partners The Rouge National Urban Park Advisory Committee is an opportunity for the City and its partners to discuss opportunities and needs related to the Rouge National Urban Park and the surrounding institutions and communities. In addition, the City has formed a Partnership Table with Parks Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto Zoo, chaired by the Deputy City Manager, Infrastructure and Development Services, that will facilitate communications, identify opportunities, and advance the planning and operational needs of all parties as the Rouge National Urban Park develops.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council nominate the following three individuals, based on their position and expertise, as the City of Toronto's representatives to the Rouge National Urban Park Multi-Stakeholder and Public Advisory Committee and that the appropriate City officials submit the City's nominations to Parks Canada before April 23, 2021: a. Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Member of City Council for Scarborough-Rouge Park; b. Dolf DeJong, Chief Administrative Officer, Toronto Zoo; and c. Kim Statham, Acting Director, Urban Forestry, Parks Forestry and Recreation.
Staff recommendation as filed
Mayor John Tory, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, recommends that: 1. City Council nominate the following three individuals, based on their position and expertise, as the City of Toronto's representatives to the Rouge National Urban Park Multi-Stakeholder and Public Advisory Committee and that the appropriate City officials submit the City's nominations to Parks Canada before April 23, 2021: a. Councillor Jennifer McKelvie, Member of City Council for Scarborough-Rouge Park; b. Dolf DeJong, Chief Administrative Officer of the Toronto Zoo; and c. Kim Statham, Acting Director of Urban Forestry, Parks Forestry and Recreation.
MM31.48adopted
Ontario's Big City Mayors aim to support and enhance strong and effective local government in Ontario. Ontario's Big City Mayors is comprised of 29 member municipalities in Ontario with populations of 100,000 or greater, with a mandate to "represent and express the large urban municipal viewpoint to other authorities and levels of government" (see Ontario's Big City Mayors Terms of Reference, attached). The Mayor of each municipality serves as its representative on Ontario's Big City Mayors. Ontario's Big City Mayors was formerly known as the Large Urban Mayors Caucus of Ontario. The organization has recently re-branded and incorporated as a not-for profit, and after many years of doing advocacy work using in-kind resources from member municipalities, is in the process of expanding its staff resources to support its advocacy work. On January 15, 2021, Ontario's Big City Mayors adopted an annual membership fee structure based on municipal population. As a City with a population greater than one million, Toronto's membership fee is $20,000 per year. It is recommended that City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to pay the Ontario's Big City Mayors membership fee on an annual basis, provided the annual increase in the amount of the fee does not exceed the rate of inflation. Funds are available in the 2021 budget for this purpose.
City Council on April 7 and 8, 2021, adopted the following: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to pay the City of Toronto's membership fee for Ontario's Big City Mayors of $20,000 in 2021 and in subsequent years, provided the annual fee increase does not exceed the rate of inflation.
Staff recommendation as filed
Mayor John Tory, seconded by Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, recommends that: 1. City Council authorize the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer to pay the City of Toronto's membership fee for Ontario's Big City Mayors of $20,000 in 2021 and in subsequent years, provided the annual fee increase does not exceed the rate of inflation.